How the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Secured a 400% Raise
Yes, you read that correctly.
When America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders hit Netflix, it quickly dominated women’s sports discussions. One quick scan through the Season 2 synopsis and you’ll quickly notice that the show has an Emmy Award-winning director — but the girls had to lobby for more pay?
The show description reads: ”From Emmy Award-winning director Greg Whiteley and the team behind Cheer and Last Chance U, the fan-favorite series will return to continue giving viewers unfiltered access into this iconic team and franchise. Season 2 will follow the 2024-25 Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders squad from start to finish — kicking off at auditions and training camp and continuing all the way through the NFL season.”
As seen through shows like Love Island, many cheerleaders were only left with one option to make more: become influencers. DCC Alumn Erica Wilkins famously sued the organization for paying the mascot more than cheerleaders — and sometimes less than minimum wage.
Well, at the end of this season, the team saved the best for last: a 400% pay raise announcement. According to Tad Carper, the Cowboys’ senior vice president of communications, ”We’re pleased, as you’ll see in the series, that the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders were happy with the outcome.” As for how much of a pay raise the cheerleaders will receive, that information has yet to be disclosed. However, the move is a win for the cheer team after years of being credited as America’s Sweethearts.
In other news, Acne Studios reveals its first-ever gallery space. Elsewhere, FKA twigs and On Running release a new collaboration.
